New Year ---> New Start

It's the last day of 2012, I sit here and think about the past year. I know it wasn't the greatest for a lot of people, but it really hasn't been that bad for me. I have to be thankful that my family is healthy and we have a roof over our head. To me that is the most important. So I just want to wish everyone a HAPPY & HEALTY NEW YEAR. I hope all your wishes come true.

Hope to see you in 2013. I will be producing more art this year. (my new year's resolution)

HURRICANE SANDY

I live in Northern NJ, even though my town was hit by the hurricane, we
(me and my family) have not suffered nearly as much as those that have
lost homes, or even worse, lost lives. The worse I have suffered is trying to find gas and having my kids miss school for over a week (they are driving me crazy!!!!).                               I would like to help where I can so I am going to donate 75% of this sale to the red cross. You can find it here on ebay.

The idea for the painting came to me when I was  reading about a challenge from community thrive. It was a word challenge, and the word was strength. All I could think about was how strong the waves were during the hurricane and the damage they caused.

SWAP DOLL CHALLANGE

Wow, I can't believe it's been over two months since I've been here to blog. Guess I haven't felt there was anything worth writing about. I haven't been creating too mush lately but I have joined a group on face book called MIXED MEDIA ART ON FACEBOOK. Here's the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/mixedmediaart/. I joined in on an art doll swap/challenge. It was so much fun. I haven't received my doll yet but could not wait to post picture of the one I created. My partner just moved and needed a little more time. I will post pics when I receive her.

supplied I used

I forgot to take a picture of the back of the doll, her wings were from a butterfly that I removed the body from.

Not sure who created this piece, but I was inspired by it, and that is how I came up with the dress on my doll. Thank you .

A Great Sunday

Hi everyone-
 I have to tell you what a great day I had yesterday even though i was stuck in traffic for about an hour. It was all worth it.
 I took a workshop called Art Journaling 201: Staring Down  A Blank Journal Page(for newbies...) with Michele Luxenberg (little bird creations). It was so fun, met some great people that i hope to meet again, and I learned some new things. She put this together through "Meetup". I have joined a few groups but this was the first to actually do a "meetup" that I was able to attend.
Anywho, Michele showed us some techniques with using Dylusions ink spray and we also use molding paste. She had loads of rubber stamps and stencils to play with along with various other things. She was very generous. This is what I did. I can't wait to do more, we got to go home with goodies!!

She has some wonderful classes coming up with well know instructors. Take a look here.











This wasn't the end to my already fun day. We (my family and I) went to a friends house for a BBQ. There is nothing better then getting together with friends, enjoying  nice weather outside on a summer night. I wish everyday could be like this.

New materials

Since I went to the the Create retreat, I have had this urge to try new materials. Well it was a mixed media retreat after all. I bought some distress stains from Ranger. Haven't really figured out how to use them yet (if you have suggestions please share, besides from all the videos techniques on you tube). I am so use to using acrylic paints, not sure they work together.  Also bought other things too, but haven't tried them yet. I will keep you updated on that.
I have been using these little wood frames from Ikea. They came three in a pack and were a great price. Guess what, they are being discontinued. So sad!!! While I was there though, I noticed these large cork coasters. So I thought these could be fun.  I also wanting to incorporate fabric into my work but don't know how to sew. While looking through my stash, came across some trim I have and came up with this piece. Finished it and it is up on etsy. tell me what you think.

Art Class

A new art school is opening. I am so happy!!! I am always saying how there is nowhere around me that teaches art. And when I do find something, the timing is off. It either starts when I am taking my kids to school or ends after I have to pick them up. This class is perfect, starts after I take them and ends way before I have to pick them up.Best of all, I got $50 off cause I registered before July 31. I am one happy camper right now. After I did Create NJ, I knew I needed to do more.
If you live in Bergen county NJ, or not too far. Check it out, it's called One River School.

Such A Good Time

From Wed July 18 to Sat. July 21, I had the most fabulous time with some really talented people. I went to Create New Jersey, an artist retreat. All the instructors were wonderful.
My first class was with Jodi Ohl. If you ever have the opportunity to take a class with her, do it. She is so sweet and helpful. I know she has online classes, but there is nothing like having the teacher there with you.

Next I took a class with Joanne Sharpe, Her class was about the different type of markers and what each can do. Another great instructor, she was so informative.














On Thursday I took a class with Cindy Wunsch. Again, a super duper person. She was so upbeat and fun. Her work is incredible. She was so good at teaching us about using texture and how to get it in your work.








 On Friday I took a class with Mandy Russell. I really did not know what to expect from this class. I thought it was going to be a simple cut and paste type of thing. Boy was I surprised. She taught us how to use alcohol inks  in a way I would never have imagined. I really can't wait to try this one on my own. She is so sweet, I hope she will do an online class. The piece was suppose to be a circus tent, but mine turned out looking more like a cabana.

My last class was suppose to be Friday. It was like what I have been waiting for for so long was ending. I drove back and forth ( about an hour each way) each day so I could take more class and not pay hotel fees. When I got home Friday night, my husband said "so take another class, it won't be until next year that you'll be able to do this again". I thought about it, and registered dor a Saturday evening class. The instructor was Stacie Swider. I loved how she taught the class. It was called collaborative collage. Everyone has a hand in each project. It was really fun. I didn't get to finish mine but I learned alot.  

I learned so much about mixed media these last few days. This was one of the best decisions I have made for myself. I love all the people I have met. Can't wait to do it all again next year. I strongly advise, if you can't get to one of these retreats, go for it.

Create Mixed Media Retreats

Going to my very first artist retreat today, I am extremely excited, like a kid at Christmas. Not knowing what I am going to get but knowing it will all be good. I will post picture of the great creations. So check back.

Europe, here she comes

Today marks a milestone in my daughter's life. She is going to Europe with a bunch of kids from her school. I don't know if she realizes how lucky she is. I'm 42 and I've never been to any part of Europe and she is going to (I think) 5 countries.

I am very happy she has this opportunity, and very nervous. Didn't think I would be, but every time I think about it I get butterflies in my stomach.

It's been awhile

This month has been crazy with all the end of the school year stuff. There was the dance recital weekend, school productions, and 2 graduations (one elementary and one middle school). I've been a little busy! I will eventually post pictures.

I just listed two small paintings on eBay. I will always find time to do the NFAC if the theme interests me. Check it out and see all the great pieces of art work. It end on June 27.

Thank you

I just want to thank Ayala Art for hosting the 29 Face challenge. Even though I didn't do all 29, I had lots of fun and really enjoyed looking at all the other wonderful faces that were created with all different kinds of media and unique styles. I must say there are really brilliant artists out there.

#21- #26 OF 29 FACES

Sorry I haven't posted in the past week. just couldn't get motivated. But here I am ready to get my faces up.

#21- color pencil- more or less a doodle

#22- mixed media- journal page

#23, #24, #25- one is oil pastels, one is wax crayons, one is soft pastel- just wanted to see the difference between the three

#26-mainly markers- journal page

#20 of 29 Faces and art journal

I have been wanting to start an art journal for awhile now, but really didn't know how to get started, I was doing a little cleaning the other day and came across a blank scrap book that I had bought at Barns& Nobles about 10 years ago for a dollar. I don't scrapbook but couldn't pass it up. Well I found a my answer for the book. Here is what I did for my first page and I really enjoyed doing it. And I have one question maybe someone can answer for me. When doing  an art journal, do you put a finish on the page like varnish? I am not sure I should put it on or just leave it.

29 FACES and NIBBLE FEST ART CONTEST

I combined my two projects into this post. I have 2 faces for the 29 faces which make it #'s 18 and 19. Now I am only 2 behind, I hope to catch up.

Nibble Fest Art Contest is a group on ebay where every month a theme is chosen and whoever wants to join creates something for that theme and starts their bidding at .99 cents. This months theme is elements: earth water, fire, and wind.go take a look. Either press on the link Nibble Fest Art Contest or just put in NFAC in your search on ebay.

29 Faces - NO.17 and underwater painting

I am working on my underwater project for the butterfly effect and combined the two together. I haven't finished yet but wanted to get something up. Hope it's not to late!
She looks mad in the picture, but she's really notI think dhe is just a little upset that haven't spent too much time on her.

acrylics on canvas


Hopefully she will be done soon. Check back. I also will have something up on ebay tomorrow for the NIBBLE FEST ART CONTEST. 

Face # 16 of 29 Faces for May

I had a pretty busy day today, Had an IEP meeting for my daughter. Right now she is going to a school for children with Cerebral Palsy and we are trying to mainstream her. Then she has her physical therapy appointment (well my husband took her to that). I had a few minutes to relax, but then had to take my middle daughter  to dance and pick up McDonald's for dinner. That's our Wednesday night dinner since I am running around after school. Then I had to take my oldest daughter to her spring concert. She plays violin and does chorus. The show was about an hour and a half long. I got a chance to use my new camera at the show. With my old camera I was never able to get good pics of my kids on stage. I am so excited cause I actually got some tonight.

 This is where my face comes in. I took a picture that I had taken tonight and went to befunky.com and played around with some of the effects. You should try it, it's lots of fun. I hope this isn't cheating!

29 Faces - # 13, 14 & 15

Well it has happened again, just can't seem to get my pics on the computer to write this blog. So here we go....

#13 was done on Mother's Day while hanging with my girls on the coach. A quick little drawing of me and my three sweethearts. Doesn't look anything like us, more of a representation.

colored pencil

#14 Also another quick drawing, was kind of in a funky mood. It happens every once in awhile. It was going to be just black and white but decided to add color.

colored pencil



#15 When you do a canvas painting (or any kind of painting), do you draw it out first, or do you just do it? I draw out what i PLAN to do, it doesn't always end up like that tought. But I do have to get my thoughts down. This is just a drawing of something I am planning to do so I guess it's a WIP.

pencil

29 faces -two more- # 11 and # 12

 It seems that I can't get to post one a day so I am trying to at least get here every other day. Hopefully since tomorrow is Mother's day, I get time to get something done and posted. Anyways, here are two more faces. The first one was done while waiting in at the eye doctor before my eyes were dilated. While I was sitting there, I looked around observing the faces of other people, I noticed the age lines on the older patience. She ended up looking a little older then planned.

pencil

The next one was suppose to be a combo for here and the  the butterfly effect

challenge but I created for the wrong theme. I figured I will do some thing new for that for next week.

pastels

#8, #9, and #10 - 29 faces

More faces!!!

The first one is dine in marker. I love how bright markers are but I still need to practice with them.

The nest two are pencil drawings. I'm trying to get the feel for them, but they are fun.

29 faces # 6 & 7

I'm falling a little behind in this challenge, but hopefully I'll catch up.

pastel

The next one is acrylic on canvas. I has the background painted a while ago. Looked at it last night and said "hey, I could do a face on this". I actually think it came out kind of cute.

acrylic on canvas

29 faces days #4 & 5

Sorry I haven't posted my faces in a couple of days but here we go.

The first one was done while I was with my mother waiting for blood test results for here. I new it was going to be a long day (but not as long as it was). So I came prepared. I wanted to try using markers since i have no experience with them. I had bought some and this was a good time to play with them.

colorful doodle-markers

The next one is a piece I have been working on with Das air drying clay, I actually just listed it on etsy tonight. i rally don't have a name for her so if you can think of one, I would love it. Right now I am calling her abstract woman. Here is her face

abstract woman- Das clay with acrylic paint

29 Faces - Day 3

I'm really enjoying working with pastels. Don't know why it has taken me so long to try them. Any who,  this is my entry for day 3 of the 29 faces challenge.

29FACES

J.Oster Folkart: 29 faces for the month of May

Day #2

While waiting to pick up my kids from school I did a quick pencil drawing. always good to have a pad and paper handy.

29 faces for the month of May

There's a great challenge going on over at Ayala Art's blog. I have decided to give it a try, maybe you want to also.

You have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain.
Have fun!

Guidelines: PLEASE READ
* It's all about a face! Any medium, size, techniques and forms are welcome.
   --It is OK to post an unfinished work too! Don't stress if you can't finish the  whole thing the same day.

* Your posts have to include the label/tag 29 Faces (make sure you type it in every post for this challenge!)

** Write an introductory post in your blog, tell people what it is etc AND use the tag/label. THEN click on that label, (it will take you to another blog page) then you copy the URL from your browser and paste it here in the Linky

Example: http://yourNameHere.blogspot.com/search/label/29faces  

The link you post will take the readers to ALL your individual challenge's posts. This way we only post one link, and have all our 29 postings showing!. (^._.^)  

 The more participants the merrier! 

just finished my first face for the 29 faces. I don't usually work with pastels but wanted to play around with them. Here it is.....

Collage / Mixed Media / Art Journals = Create NJ

I'm always looking to take an art class/workshop but never seem to find anything I would be interested in near me. I was surfing the web one day and found out about the Create retreats and they are holding one in NJ. Can't tell you how excited I am. It will be held in July.I will be taking 4 workshops in 3 days ( wish I could take more but have to watch my pennies). The classes I am taking are....
Story Block Collage, Magical Marker Mystery Tour, The Heart of Art, Circus Tent Collage,


I have been wanting to learn about all these great techniques and now I have a chance. I am a little intimidated though so I started watching videos and boy, what great art there is out there. I absolutely feel in love with Teesha Moore, She inspired me to do this piece

I had to try and see what I could do, so I dabbled a little. I don't think it came out too bad. I hope to find more time to work on some things before the retreat.

After I finished this, my daughter opened a fortune cookie and got this, I stole it!